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Classical Mythology

(Greeks and Romans) Mini Unit Study

There are so many great reasons to study classical mythology with your children. First and foremost, Roman and Greek mythology contains stories that are quite exciting – full of heroes and heroines – that even small children enjoy very much. Older students can understand what many of these tales have to say about human nature, and will also begin to notice the literary devices and symbolism used throughout these tales. Moreover, after studying mythology, popular allusions will make much more sense – an “Achilles heel”, a “Herculean task”, and “By Jove.

In this mini unit study, you can: read all about the characters in the Greek and Roman pantheons - including how they compare, take online quizzes to test your knowledge, work on a New York Times crossword puzzle on mythology together, learn about the role of mythical storytelling in Greek pottery, make your own Greek vase, and send postcards from Greek or Roman gods and goddesses to either Zeus or Jupiter.

Reading

An online version of one of the “classics” on classical mythology. Organized by volume (Greek and Roman mythology is in Volume 1) – and good site organization makes it easy to read online for older students (middle school and up).

http://www.bartleby.com/181/


For the younger set, this site provides illustrations and brief descriptions of the Greek gods and goddesses.

http://www.mythweb.com/


Confused about which mythical characters are Greek vs. Roman? This chart shows the relations between the two to help clear up the confusion.

http://www.messagenet.com/myths/names.html

Quizzes

Think you now know everything about the mythological heroes? Quiz your knowledge and find out. Below are two different quizzes on classical mythology – one is easy and one much more challenging.

EasyQuiz: here

Hard Quiz: here

Family Fun

Test your mythology knowledge with this New York Times crossword puzzle on mythology. Warning – this is one tough puzzle – we recommend that children do this one together with an adult.

Online version: here

Off-Line version to print: here

Answers to puzzle: here

Pottery Project

Ancient Greek pottery tells stories using mythological characters. In this web lesson, you will become familiar with a variety of Greek pottery shapes and functions. Then see what heroes, goddesses, and related stories you can find in these pottery examples shown.

Greek Pottery Example

After you have looked at examples of Greek pottery – it is time to make your own out of styrofoam cups and oil pastels – complete with a story with your favorite character.

Make your own Greek pottery

Writing Activity

Postcards to Zeus or Jupiter

As you study mythology, write postcards from at least 10 of your favorite Greek or Roman mythological characters to either Zeus (Greek) or Jupiter (Roman).

Begin with blank postcards, which you can buy at any stationary supply store. Illustrate the front of the card with a drawing of the god or goddess that the card is “from”, or decorate it with examples of Greek scenery or artwork. Next, address the card to either Zeus or Jupiter. Then write the message to him – be sure to include details that only your god or goddess would know! When you are finished with all of your cards, use a hole punch to punch a hole in each postcard in the center of the left-hand edge. Use yarn to tie the cards together into a pack.

Recommended Resource

Classic Myths To Read Aloud: The Great Stories of Greek and Roman Mythology


I first became acquainted with this wonderful book when we were putting together the upcoming issue on Ancient Rome. The literature study guide for ages 4-8, “Cupid and Psyche” comes from this book.

The author, William Russell, believes that an understanding and appreciation of the classical myths are an essential part in becoming a literate person. Therefore, he recommends that we introduce children to these tales orally, as they were originally told, and at a young age (~5). In this book, he tells each story in the type of language familiar to any reader of fairy tales.

The book is divided into two sections: Listening Level 1 (Ages 5 and up) and Listening Level II (Ages 8 and up). In addition, at the end of each tale, he includes a section called a “few words more” that discusses the origins of some of the words in the story. This section isn’t meant to be read aloud, but it is fun for the adult or older student doing the reading!

So, turn bedtime reading over to the tales of the ancient Greeks and Romans. Or start a tradition of after lunch or dinner family reading - with the older kids or adults reading the tales to the youngest.


Book (Paperback)
Author: William F. Russell

Lists at: $12.00, Sale Price: $9.60

Read more about the book on Amazon.com